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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning policy and shape the borough's future growth.
- Company: Rushmoor Borough Council, a small but ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and influence the future of your community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile regeneration projects and local planning.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, MRTPI status, and experience in planning policy.
The predicted salary is between 48256 - 55596 £ per year.
Location: Farnborough (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: £48,256 – £55,596 + £2,400 allowance
Full Time | Permanent
At Rushmoor Borough Council, they may be small, but they are ambitious — and this is a genuinely exciting time to join. Significant regeneration and development is underway across Aldershot and Farnborough, with major projects such as the Galleries redevelopment, Farnborough Civic Quarter proposals, and a large-scale commercial masterplan set to transform the area.
Alongside this, the Council is delivering high-profile schemes including a new leisure centre, determining complex applications such as those at Farnborough Airport, and—crucially—embarking on the preparation of a brand new Local Plan. With the timetable now published, the programme is moving at pace: notice will be served in May, initial consultation will take place in June 2026, Gateway 1 is targeted for September, and a second consultation is planned for early 2027. This represents a rare opportunity to get involved at the very start of the process and play a central role in shaping the borough’s long-term strategy for growth.
All of this sits at the heart of the Council’s vision to deliver sustainable, high-quality, and well-designed development across the borough — making this an exceptional time to join as a Principal Planning Officer (Policy).
The Role
This is a key position within the planning team, offering the opportunity to lead on strategic planning policy and Local Plan preparation at a critical time. You will take responsibility for driving forward planning policy work, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of a robust and forward-thinking planning framework.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the preparation and review of the Local Plan and strategic planning policy documents
- Managing and commissioning evidence base studies
- Driving engagement with members, communities, developers and key stakeholders
- Representing the Council at Examinations in Public, appeals and inquiries
- Preparing and presenting reports to Cabinet, Council and senior leadership
- Managing consultation exercises and ensuring statutory compliance
- Working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and partner organisations
- Supporting and deputising for the Planning Policy Service Manager
- Managing and mentoring junior members of the team
About You
We are looking for an experienced and motivated planning professional who can operate at a senior level and take ownership of complex policy work. You will have:
- A degree in Town Planning or related discipline
- MRTPI Chartered status (or eligibility)
- Proven experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks
- Experience within a local authority planning environment
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong organisational and project management ability
- Experience managing or mentoring staff (desirable)
You will be a confident and proactive individual, capable of influencing outcomes and driving forward key planning initiatives.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary of £48,256 – £55,596 + £2,400 allowance
- Flexible and hybrid working
- The opportunity to lead on high-profile Local Plan and regeneration work
- A supportive and forward-thinking team environment
- The chance to play a key role in shaping the future growth of the borough
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the planning policy of a borough undergoing significant transformation and growth. If you’re looking to step into a role where you can make a genuine impact and influence the future of places — this is it.
Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: Rob Hanks Futuregen Recruitment Email: Mobile: 07855 276123
Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Farnborough employer: Rushmoor Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Rushmoor Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Farnborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, especially those connected to local authorities. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Rushmoor Borough Council's current projects and policies. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll need to present reports and engage with stakeholders. Get comfortable with articulating your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Policy) in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting projects at Rushmoor Borough Council!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience, especially in managing complex policy work and engaging with stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you’ve done!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rushmoor Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the current Local Plan and any significant projects in Farnborough and Aldershot. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the community.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past, especially in a local authority setting.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior staff. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams or projects. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in achieving planning objectives.
✨Prepare for Questions on Future Plans
Given the exciting regeneration projects underway, anticipate questions about your vision for the borough's growth. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table and how they align with the Council's goals for sustainable development.